Ex-MP could stand as independent

Former Labour MP for Norwich North Ian Gibson could stand as an independent in the forthcoming by-election, the BBC has been told.

Talking to BBC Newsnight, Dr Gibson refused to rule out the possibility of standing, depending on who the Labour Party in Norwich choose as a candidate.

Dr Gibson won the Norwich North seat in 1997, taking it from the Conservatives.

The Conservatives need a swing of just under 6% to win Norwich North, a key target for the party.

'Star chamber inquiry'

When questioned about whether he would stand, Dr Gibson said: "Who knows what will happen... I have not made any decisions."

Dr Gibson said as a Labour Party member it would be politically impossible to stand, adding: "Things might change depending on the nominations (for a Labour candidate)."

Dr Gibson said he did not want to see a Conservative win the Norwich North seat.

"I will never give up on politics," he added.

On 2 June, Mr Gibson was thrown out as a Labour candidate after an appearance before a Labour Party panel over reports about his expenses.

The Daily Telegraph said Dr Gibson claimed for a flat which his daughter and her partner lived in rent-free.

The MP had told BBC Look East that he shared the flat with his daughter for a time, claiming mortgage interest payments on parliamentary expenses.

He was effectively deselected after a meeting of Labour's "Star Chamber".

The panel, described as a "kangaroo court" by the local party chairman, has barred him from standing as a Labour Party candidate at the next election.

BBC News